Pokemon GO has announced a brand-new Electric-type Global Challenge event for its players. The event, called High Zaptitude Global Challenge, offers trainers a fresh opportunity to collect new Pokémon while increasing their chances of obtaining shiny variants. During this event, players will have a higher chance of getting a Shiny Tadbulb, making it especially appealing for shiny hunters.
The biggest highlight of the event is the debut of Wattrel and its evolution Kilowattrel, Pokémon originally introduced in the Paldea region. Wattrel is an Electric and Flying dual-type Pokémon known for its speed and strong special attack stats. It is commonly found near coastal areas and sandy regions. While it can use moves like Volt Switch and Hurricane, its low defense makes it less effective in high-level battles.
The High Zaptitude event will run from Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM until Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time. Throughout the event, Global Challenges will allow players to unlock bonus rewards. Level 1 provides double XP for catching Pokémon. Level 2 doubles Stardust rewards and unlocks Wattrel and Kilowattrel encounters in the wild and through Field Research. Players will need 50 Wattrel Candies to evolve it.
At Level 3, trainers will receive double XP and Stardust from hatching eggs. Shiny Tadbulb will have boosted hatch rates from 2 km eggs, along with chances to hatch Pichu, Elekid, and Toxel, all of which may be shiny. Electric-type Pokémon such as Shinx, Chinchou, and Helioptile will also appear more frequently in the wild with increased shiny odds.
A $1.99 Paid Timed Research option will be available, reducing egg hatch time by half. The event will run alongside the January 2026 Pokémon GO Pass, giving players the opportunity to obtain rewards like Shiny Dialga and the Lucky Trinket.
Overall, the High Zaptitude event offers Pokémon GO trainers an excellent chance to expand their shiny collections. With Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary and the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary taking place in 2026, players are hopeful for more major events and new features in the future.
If you’re interested, you can check out The Blood of Dawnwalker Set to Shine on January 8 for more insights and updates.
